10 New Year's Eve Drinks To Drink Along With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen
Everyone has their own New Year’s Eve traditions: from eating 12 grapes or kissing at midnight, to celebrating out at the bars or stepping out to watch the fireworks, all are valid. That said, for me, there is only one true way to ring in the New Year, and that's watching Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen host a progressively messier countdown to the ball drop. Last year this tradition-of-all-traditions was lampooned by CNN imposing a drinking ban, much to the chagrin of me, the Delish staff as a whole, countless other viewers, and Andy Cohen himself, but, after considerable complaining, Prohibition is over and CNN has decided to “give the daddies some juice.”
This week, Cohen sat down to give us the inside scoop on what he and Cooper will be enjoying live and on air: Tequila shots every hour. Shots may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Cohen also mentioned he’ll be drinking Fresca vodka spritzes in between, and we’ve got plenty of festive spritzes, tequila cocktails, and even shots for you to enjoy while drinking along.
Don’t have Fresca? No worries! Sub in grapefruit juice and soda water for our cranberry paloma. Or go the classic route with our vodka tonic. If you’re sticking with tequila, turn your shots from painful to pleasurable with our margarita slushy shots, or slow down with a sipper via either of our cherry-lime or mistletoe margaritas.
Want even more inspiration? From cocktails to desserts and everything in between, we’ve got all the New Year’s Eve recipes that you need.
Cranberry Paloma
The holidays usually usher in seasonal cocktails with cozy spices to stay warm in the winter. But some people (myself included) prefer bright, refreshing beverages all year long. If you love sipping on margaritas and palomas but want a more festive recipe to enjoy during the holiday season, meet the cranberry paloma.
Get the Cranberry Paloma recipe.
Margarita Slushy Shots
Andy and Anderson may be taking plain tequila shots, but theres no reason for you to. Our margarita slushy shots are the perfect way to enjoy your tequila in adorable, mini margarita fashion. All you need is tequila, lime juice, agave (or sugar), and ice to blend up your margarita shots, then you can creative with your fruity flavors and additions.
Get the Margarita Slushy Shots recipe.
White Cranberry Cosmo
White is the new pink with this fruit-forward and festive twist on the Cosmopolitan. It’s the perfect drink to batch up for your next New Year's Eve party. Keeping much of the same vein as the classic, this cocktail gets a boost from white cranberry juice and an aroma of fresh rosemary. The candied cranberries are totally optional, but are a fun way to really drive home the holiday spirit.
Get the White Cranberry Cosmo recipe.
Espresso Martini
Popular with coffee lovers and tired pre-gamers alike, this classic cocktail was born in the 1980s but saw a resurgence in popularity in the last few years. It’s no surprise why this martini is having a moment. Because it's a cocktail and an espresso, an espresso martini is a great way to get a little buzzed while also getting a bit perked up—perfect for staying up till the ball drops!
Get the Espresso Martini recipe.
Mistletoe Margarita
Take the classic frozen margarita into the holiday season with these mistletoe margaritas. Cranberry juice adds the bright color and seasonal spin to these margs, turning the classic summer drink into a holiday cocktail classic. Cheers with a couple of these at your holiday party, and you just might find yourself under the mistletoe by the end of the night.
Get the Mistletoe Margarita recipe.
Figgy Spritz
This New Year's, celebrate the night with a herbaceous holiday take on a classic spritz. Our figgy spritz takes woodsy rosemary and fig syrup and combines them with Prosecco and elderflower liqueur for a bright, sparkling winter cocktail.
Get the Figgy Spritz recipe.
Vodka Tonic
Go ahead and sip a vodka tonic along with Andy Cohen this New Year's. While this recipe calls for tonic water, feel free to sub in Fresca to get even closer to matching your favorite hosts drink-for-drink this year. The only thing we think is absolutely crucial to a good vodka tonic is citrus!
Get the Vodka Tonic recipe.
Blood Orange Mocktail Spritzer
While I am thrilled they are letting Andy and Anderson drink again this year, I totally understand if you are more a fan of a sober New Year's Eve. That's no reason to not enjoy a special drink though. Our blood orange mocktail spritzer is the perfect sparkling mocktail to enjoy along with the countdown.
Get the Blood Orange Mocktail Spritzer recipe.
Giggle Juice
This fruity drink is filled with moscato, pink lemonade, and vodka, which is pretty much the most irresistible drink combo. This punch makes up to 8 servings, so it's ideal to get the party started for a crowd. Whether you're serving this big-batch cocktail up at your New Year's Eve celebration or your next girls' night in, this sweet and fruity cocktail is sure to have you and your guests giggling together in no time.
Get the Giggle Juice recipe.
Cherry-Lime Margarita
The margarita is a seasonal drink…right? I think so! Especially this cherry-lime margarita, which is right on theme for a tequila New Year's. I used both cherry concentrate and the syrup from a maraschino cherry jar to achieve the perfect balance of tart and sweet. If desired, you can always add more maraschino syrup or regular simple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Get the Cherry-Lime Margarita recipe.
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